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Sustainability weekly update #5

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By Antonio Vizcaya Abdo

· 5 min read


INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

These articles highlight how major industries are advancing in sustainable technologies, from car manufacturing to packaging solutions, emphasizing long-term, eco-friendly practices and circular design.

Nestlé pushes packaging innovation with paper-based solutions

Nestlé has replaced plastic packaging with paper, reducing plastic by 90% in Vital Proteins and 97% in Nescafé refill packs, pushing forward sustainable packaging.

BMW and Volkswagen explore plant-based materials for car interiors

BMW and Volkswagen are using flax and hemp to make car interiors more sustainable, with BMW's award-winning flax-based seats and Volkswagen's trials of hemp-based leather alternatives.

Bang & Olufsen unveils long-lasting, future-proof headphones

Bang & Olufsen's new Beoplay H100 headphones are designed for longevity, with replaceable parts and modular construction, ensuring they remain usable as technology evolves.

Scientists discover plastic-eating fungi that could help combat ocean pollution

Researchers in Germany discovered fungi that can break down synthetic plastics, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution, especially for polyurethane used in construction.

BMW and Toyota join forces for hydrogen-powered vehicles

BMW, collaborating with Toyota, will introduce a hydrogen-powered model by 2028, combining their expertise in fuel-cell technology and sustainability to offer a zero-emissions alternative to electric cars.

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SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

These stories focus on the importance of creating transparent, sustainable supply chains and the global shift towards a circular economy, involving new strategies in various industries.

Startups pioneering circular economy with data and traceability solutions

Thirteen startups are driving transparency in supply chains by using data and traceability tools to support sustainability in industries like plastics, fashion, and agriculture.

Starbucks partners with Japanese Shochu Brewery to power store with sweet potatoes

Starbucks is collaborating with Kirishima Shuzo to open a store powered by biogas from sweet potato scraps, combining sustainability with local tradition in Miyazaki Prefecture.

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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND ARCHITECTURE

This cluster explores how tourism and architecture are integrating sustainable practices to create lasting impacts on the environment and local economies.

UN Tourism and FIA Partner to promote sustainable sports tourism

The UN World Tourism Organization and FIA have partnered to promote sustainable sports tourism, focusing on boosting tourism through world-class events while encouraging sustainable practices.

Top 10 most sustainable buildings shaping the future

Leading sustainable buildings like The Edge in Amsterdam and One Central Park in Sydney demonstrate how architecture can significantly reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly living.

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CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT

This cluster covers the growing consequences of climate change, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating forest fires, underscoring the urgency of global climate action.

Floods in Morocco kill 11, several missing

Torrential rains in southern Morocco have resulted in floods, killing 11 people and leaving nine missing, while causing extensive damage to infrastructure.

Record-breaking heatwave sweeps across US West

An intense heatwave hit the US west, with Phoenix recording 100 consecutive days over 100°F, while cities like Los Angeles and Seattle also broke temperature records.

Climate change threatens 68% of Australia’s tourism sites by 2050

A report reveals that nearly 68% of Australia’s tourism sites are at risk due to climate change, with locations like Uluru and Bondi Beach vulnerable to rising temperatures and disasters.

2024 breaks record as hottest summer yet

2024 has been confirmed as the hottest summer on record, with global temperatures rising due to emissions and the lingering effects of El Niño, causing deadly heatwaves and wildfires worldwide.

Global forest fires cause increasing damage, data shows

Forest fires have worsened over the past two decades, with 2023 seeing 11.9 million hectares lost globally. Climate change is a key factor in intensifying these fires.

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CORPORATE EFFORTS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

These articles discuss corporate strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, improving inclusivity, and integrating sustainability into business practices.

Voluntary carbon market: key to scaling carbon removal

The voluntary carbon market is essential for scaling carbon dioxide removal to meet net-zero goals, but faces challenges in transparency and credibility.

Incentivizing companies to address climate change beyond emissions

A new approach to climate reporting suggests companies should also measure their broader societal impact, such as product innovation and policy advocacy, beyond their carbon emissions.

McKinsey: Energy transition faces significant challenges

Despite advancements in renewables, McKinsey reports that only 10% of the assets needed for a net-zero future are in place, identifying major challenges in power, industry, and mobility.


EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES 

This cluster highlights initiatives designed to foster a sustainability mindset among students and communities, emphasizing the importance of education and outdoor activities.

Arizona State University requires sustainability course for all undergraduates

Starting in Fall 2024, Arizona State University requires all students to take a sustainability-related course to graduate, aiming to equip them with skills to tackle environmental challenges.

Fruittella launches sun-activated kids' book to encourage outdoor play

Fruittella’s new children’s book can only be read in sunlight, encouraging outdoor play and reducing screen time, with retro illustrations promoting physical activities.

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About the author

Antonio Vizcaya Abdo is a consultant and professor specialized in corporate sustainability and impact. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice on sustainability, dedicated to educating and igniting collective and individual action to address social and environmental issues.

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